Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Ocean, Mixed
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) is a well-known, exposed beach/jetty surfing spot on the south side of the Manasquan Inlet area. The wave is described as fast and powerful with a hollow shape, producing especially strong hollow lefts at the jetty when the swell and wind line up—particularly on northeast swell days with offshore west winds. Wind and swell alignment matters for quality. West/offshore wind conditions are reported to provide cleaner, groomed surf, while the spot’s wind statistics indicate September as the standout month, with the highest concentration of favorable conditions in that period. Providers also note the main wave is highly localized around the jetty/peak, so the most consistent sections can be crowded. Timing is important: low tide is repeatedly indicated as the best period for wave shape. With the jetty at the north end and an exposed setup, riders should be prepared for intense, fast takeoffs and hollow tubes. Large swell behavior is described as capable of handling winter/hurricane-sized surf while still producing powerful, barrel-capable waves. Safety and access considerations are central here. The beach is privately owned and requires a badge/tag for seasonal access, and the area is reported to have dangerous rip currents—particularly near the jetty. Rocks in the jetty zone increase risk, and the spot can become very crowded with strong localized dynamics, especially in summer. Rescue availability is reported as limited, with lifeguards present seasonally.

  • Hollow, powerful lefts at the jetty on northeast swell
  • Low tide generally best for wave shape
  • Offshore west winds improve cleanliness
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Powerful, hollow wave shape when conditions align
  • Offshore west winds can clean up the surf
  • Low tide is generally best for wave shape
  • Popular, well-known destination for surfing at Manasquan Inlet
Heads up
  • Dangerous rip currents and strong near-jetty currents reported
  • Rocks at/near the jetty
  • Crowds can be heavy (especially summer)
  • Localized peak and potential localism
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Provider indicates frontal systems; West winds can also behave offshore for wave cleanliness.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
Best Months
September
Shadow Zones
The jetty can create some wind protection depending on the angle.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Ocean, Mixed
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Flat — Providers describe variability from smaller/flat conditions to medium and powerful wave days depending on swell.
Chop Level
Heavy chop
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach south of the Manasquan Inlet jetty.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
4–24 °C
Water Temperature
3–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr–Nov: 4/3mmJun–Sep: 3/2mm or shorty
Crowds by Season

Crowded in summer (especially July–August); less crowded in autumn.

Storm/Rain Season

Hurricane season runs from June through November; nor'easters are common in winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach/jetty break with fast, powerful waves and hollow lefts at the jetty; works on solid northeast swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
E, ENE, NE
Swell Height
0.6–0.7 m
Optimal Tide
Low
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed beach/jetty location; jetty can provide some local shelter depending on the angle.
Wind Effect
Best with offshore west winds, giving cleaner/groomed conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger hurricane/winter swells and still produce powerful, hollow peaks; may produce very intense/quality barrels when the swell is strong.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Providers describe it as excellent/good depending on conditions; reliably high-quality when the swell/wind align.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Reported as short but intense; longer rides possible during significant swells.
Typical Ride Length
40–80 m
Ride Length Details
Waves wind along the beach on solid northeast swells; short but intense, with barrelling/possible longer rides during larger swells.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) in the full forecast view.

Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–11 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
NNW345°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2711 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–1.1 m7s period
Temperature
6–20 °C

Over the next 7 days, Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.4–1.1 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • rip currents present (currents can be dangerous)
  • heavy crowds
  • boat traffic in the nearby inlet
  • localism
  • dangerous currents near the jetty
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Helmet

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard services are reported as seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited.
Emergency Info
Point Pleasant Beach Police and local lifeguards are available during the summer season; emergency services are handled via 911.
Localism / Vibe
Heavy — Local presence and localized peak dynamics are reported.

Rules of the spot

Beach access is privately owned and requires a beach badge/tag during the operating season/summer access rules.

Restrictions
  • private beach - badge required
  • summer restrictions to designated areas and times to avoid conflicts with swimmers
  • surfing forbidden in swimming zones during lifeguard hours
  • surfing restricted to designated areas/times during the summer season
Local Tips
  • Low tide is generally the best time to surf for better wave shape.
  • Watch for dangerous currents and be aware of rocks near the jetty.
  • Because the spot is highly localized, expect the main peak by the jetty to be crowded—consider off-season or early mornings.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Point Pleasant Beach
Nearest Town
Point Pleasant Beach
Parking
Parking available; several paid parking lots nearby with limited street parking in surrounding blocks.
Access
Access is through the boardwalk area; paid beach tags are required in summer and a beach badge/tag is required for boardwalk access/seasonal operating access rules.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Showers
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Numerous hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are available in Point Pleasant Beach.
Food & Drink
Food boardwalk options, cafes, and bars are immediately adjacent to the beach.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available in town via local surf shops.
Gear Repair
Board repair is available via local surf shops in town.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant)?

The best overall months at Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) are September.

Which wind directions work at Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant)?

Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.

What skill level is Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) suitable for?

Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.